Top 15 Most Underrated Romance Anime That Can’t Be Missed

Romance continues to be one of the most popular genres in anime. It pairs perfectly with any other genre, giving it a versatility that other genres can only envy. This time, we’ve put together a lineup of the most underrated romance anime that you should add to your watchlist ASAP.

15. Skip Beat!

Skip Beat! is a story about a young girl named Kyoko Mogami who has a deep admiration for her childhood friend, Shotaro Fuwa. She leaves her hometown to support his dream of becoming a famous idol, working tirelessly as a maid to make ends meet.

However, her world is shattered when she discovers that Shotaro only sees her as a servant and has no romantic feelings for her. Fueled by anger and determination, Kyoko decides to join the entertainment industry to surpass Shotaro and get revenge.

14. Insomniacs After School

The summer 2024 anime Insomniacs After School was unfortunate to air alongside romantic hits like The Dangers in My Heart, Yamada-kun to Lv999, and Skip and Loafer. To this day, it remains an underrated anime gem of high school romances.

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The story follows two high school students who struggle with insomnia. As they grapple with their sleeplessness, they find solace in their school’s abandoned observatory, forming an unlikely friendship along the way.

13. Princess Tutu

Princess Tutu is a magical ballet story about a duck who transforms into a girl to help a prince find his heart and defeat an evil crow.

An older anime, Princess Tutu defies the limits of the typical cute magical girl genre. Instead, it’s a surprisingly dark and mature series with a well-thought-out story.

12. Kaiba

At first glance, Kaiba might seem like it came from a Pixar studio, but in reality, the series targets older, more mature audiences.

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Set in a sci-fi world but primarily driven by romance, the anime follows the story of Warp, a young man with amnesia searching for his identity in a world where memories and bodies can be exchanged.

11. Night Is Short, Walk on Girl

Night is Short, Walk on Girl is a whimsical coming-of-age story following a spirited college girl on a wild night out in Kyoto. Meanwhile, a smitten classmate pursues her through a series of comical encounters.

This underrated anime movie is a wild and surreal mix of a pub crawl, a strange romance, musical numbers, and cowboys fighting politicians. Despite its chaotic nature, it somehow ties all these elements together into a unique story about growing up, anxiety, and how everything in life is connected.

10. Maison Ikkoku

A classic romantic comedy, Maison Ikkoku is about a struggling college student named Godai who moves into a boarding house. The landlady, Kyoko, is a young widow still grieving the loss of her husband. The story follows their budding relationship as they deal with life’s challenges and try to heal from their pasts.

If you can overlook the dated animation and art (it was made between 1986 and 1988), you’re in for a real gem. The series is a romantic comedy, but it’s also much more than that. It’s a show about people, how we relate to each other, and how we live our lives. It’s about growing up, moving on after a great loss, and the ups and downs of finding and being with the love of your life.

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9. A Sign of Affection

A Sign of Affection is a simple, feel-good show that will give you butterflies in your stomach. A slice-of-life romance, it proves that not everything needs to be politically correct, insightful, or educational to be enjoyable. Sometimes, beauty lies in the little moments.

The heroine of A Sign of Affection is a deaf girl called Yuki. Despite her impairment, she is determined to live a fulfilling life. Her world, however, begins to change when she meets Itsuomi, a kind and understanding classmate.

8. Millennium Actress

Millennium Actress is a movie about an old actress who tells her life story to a filmmaker. As she talks, her memories blend with the movies she was in, making it hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. It’s a story about dreams, love, and the power of movies.

The series has elements that make you think and feel, but ultimately, it’s a beautiful and emotional story about life and dreams.

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7. The Dangers in My Heart

The Dangers in My Heart is a comedic slice-of-life story about a seemingly ordinary middle school boy who harbors dark thoughts and a girl who is cheerful and outgoing. As their paths cross, they develop an unlikely friendship while dealing with the complexities of teenage life.

Apart from the incredible, innocent chemistry between the protagonists, the show is renowned for its portrayal of character growth, especially in the relatable yet struggling male protagonist. Moreover, the anime carefully tackles heavy themes such as mental health and self-identity.

6. Planetes

Planetes is a science fiction anime set in a future where space exploration is common. It follows the crew of a spaceship tasked with cleaning up space debris, a dangerous and often overlooked job.

A great blend of sci-fi, drama, comedy, and romance, this series is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a compelling story and well-developed characters.

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5. Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!

This show is a witty, conversational high school romantic comedy that sarcastically comments on and deconstructs the differences between a high school rom-com and real life.

The protagonist is a high school boy named Amamori, who finds himself surrounded by a group of girls each dealing with romantic setbacks. Can Amamori help them lift their spirits and find happiness?

4. Nodame Cantabile

A romantic comedy, Nodame Cantabile is a story about a brilliant but eccentric piano prodigy named Nodame and a perfectionist conductor named Chiaki. Their journey to musical success is filled with laughter, challenges, and growing love for each other.

It’s not every day you find believable and relatable characters, and this is one of the main draws of Nodame Cantabile. Even if you don’t love classical music, you might still enjoy the series. Despite the simple plot, the realism and depth of the characters are truly admirable.

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3. Kids on the Slope

Aired in 2012, Kids on the Slope is an underrated romance anime that deserves more recognition. With its well-balanced pacing through romance and drama, it’s perfect for anyone seeking a simple, relaxing, and relatively short coming-of-age slice of life.

Kids on the Slope is a coming-of-age story set in 1960s Japan. It follows the life of a shy high school student, Kaoru Nishimi, who discovers the world of jazz through his friendship with a delinquent classmate, Sentarō Kawabuchi.

2. Versailles no Bara

The Rose of Versailles is a historical drama set in the opulent world of pre-revolutionary France. It follows the life of Oscar François de Jarjayes, a young woman raised as a boy and trained as a soldier. As a commander of the Queen’s Guard, Oscar becomes entangled in the political turmoil leading up to the French Revolution.

Loved for its rich historical setting, strong female protagonist, and dramatic storytelling, Versailles no Bara may be an older gem, but it remains relevant even today.

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1. Cross Game

The number one spot for underrated romance anime goes to Cross Game. This heartwarming coming-of-age story centers around baseball and the complexities of growing up. It follows the lives of two childhood friends, Kitamura and Aoba, as they deal with life, love, and loss.

Filled with relatable themes such as the highs and lows of youth, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams, Cross Game offers realistic characters and an engaging storyline, making it a perfect watch for anyone seeking a heartfelt experience.

YumDeku
YumDeku

Blogger / Jujutsu Sorcerer / Unpredictable knuckle head Ninja that spends his free time writing, reading, watching and playing all things Anime, Manga and Gaming.

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